Skip to content

Husna Jalal

2025-2026 Obama Foundation Europe Leader

Headshot of Husna Jalal, 2025-2026 Obama Foundation Europe Leader

Director, Women for Change International

Netherlands

Husna Jalal is the director of Women for Change International, an organization dedicated to creating a world where marginalized individuals, particularly women, youth, and children, can fully realize their human rights regardless of their background. In 2021, following the Taliban’s return to power, Jalal left her home in Afghanistan for the Netherlands, where she has continued her activism with even greater determination. She has spearheaded mental health support programs for Afghan women, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which have benefited hundreds of young women. Furthermore, she has initiated educational programs for women affected by the Afghan education ban and mental health support for refugees in the Netherlands. As the founder of the Young Afghan Women’s Movement, she has advocated for youth inclusion in peacebuilding, organizing discussions at institutions like Leiden University to challenge traditional peacebuilding approaches. Her long-term vision is to create a world where women, youth, and marginalized communities have the agency, resources, and opportunities to lead and shape their futures.

Your support turns hope into action

Donate to the Barack Obama Foundation.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

Meet the 2025-2026 Europe Leaders

More about the Leaders Program

A headshot of a young woman smiling at the camera. The young woman has olive skin and brown eyes. She has dark curly hair that hits her shoulders and is wearing a blue denim shirt.

Leaders

For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.

Learn More
A person wearing a hoodie with the hood up is shown in profile, crouching down to light a candle. She is seen in profile in the glow of candlelight coming from dozens of votives surrounded by assorted flowers. A set of small votive candles are arranged in the shape of a heart near the person’s foot. Six heart-shaped red balloons float above the vigil.
  • The Center
  • Building the Center

Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Terrace at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.

Learn more
placeholder
  • Defending Democracy
  • Leaders
Learn more
President Obama speaks on a panel. In the background is a board that reads, "CHICAGO." It is a bright blue color with the Chicago map on the right side.
  • Watch
  • Barack Obama

Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi

Learn more